Gov. Christie cites N.J. as ‘national model’

Christie touted his property tax cap and pushed for additional cuts to popular programs to bring down the budget deficit. He said he wanted to pass a comprehensive tax reform plan and make more headway in making the state’s pension and health benefits account solvent. 

During his push for education reform, Christie also showed his national reach: Former Washington, D.C., schools chancellor Michelle Rhee, who also has a nationwide profile, was in attendance to listen to his address, and he praised her as an exemplar for school reform.

The sometimes-brash governor also displayed the rhetorical style that made him popular with Republicans.

“We are showing other states that sometimes, to create real
change, you’ve got to go all in and show a little Jersey attitude,” he said.

Christie defeated incumbent Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine in the November 2009 gubernatorial election in a race political observers labeled as a bellwether for the 2010 midterm elections, when Republicans made large gains on Democrats around the country.

But Christie has suffered some political setbacks this year despite his claims of overall success. His approval ratings dipped before the end of the year. 

He also received heavy flak from opponents for canceling a long-planned rail tunnel between New Jersey and New York City, his efforts to change the makeup of the state’s Supreme Court and his decision to remain on vacation while New Jersey was blanketed with a late December blizzard that paralyzed much of the state.

New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman John Wisniewski blasted out a rebuttal of Christie’s policies before his address, saying his cuts have gutted the state’s ability to create jobs, rebuild the state’s infrastructure and improve failing schools. 

“Governor, New Jersey residents are struggling to get by day to day. They don’t want to hear you talk about how good things are and how we’re moving forward,” he said. “They just don’t believe it and neither do their neighbors who say stay the course? Are you kidding?”